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that she was murdered by someone else,” Louisa concluded.

    “He would need persuasive evidence, but if he succeeds, Society will conclude that he is innocent. He
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    would then be free to marry any of the wealthy heiresses who will no doubt be cast before him by their
    extremely enthusiastic parents.”

    8

    Elwin Hastings looked across the desk at his bride of two months. He knew himself to be the envy of
    many men. Dressed in a fashionable green gown, her honey-brown hair piled high in an elaborate coiffure
    that required the attentions of a hairdresser every morning, Lilly was nothing short of beautiful.

    It was all he could do not to pick up the heavy crystal vase on his desk and hurl it at her silly, brainless
    head.

    “Next time you will show me the guest list before you instruct Crompton to send out the invitations,” he
    commanded. “Is that understood?”

    “Yes, of course.” Lilly clamped her hands together very tightly in her lap. Resentment flared in her eyes.
    “But you told me that Crompton knew who was to be invited to the ball. You said your secretary is
    aware of precisely how things are to be done in this household when it comes to social affairs and that I
    am to leave everything in his hands.”

    “I will speak with Crompton immediately and inform him that Anthony Stalbridge is to be removed from
    all future guest lists,” Elwin said.

    “I don’t understand why you are so angry that he attended our ball. Mr. Stalbridge is from a very
    prominent family. He is the nephew of the Earl of Oakbrook. Indeed, there is even speculation that he
    might someday come into the title because the old earl has never remarried and there is no heir.”

    “Like everyone else in that family, Oakbrook is a devoted eccentric.” Elwin controlled his rage with an
    effort. “Everyone knows that all the old earl cares about these days is his archaeological research. I am
    well aware of Stalbridge’s bloodlines, Lilly. I repeat, from now on, he is not welcome in this house.”

    Lilly burst into tears. “I thought everything went so well last night.”
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    The tears were more than he could tolerate. He pushed himself to his feet. “That will be all, Lilly.”

    She jumped up from the chair, cheeks flushed with anger. “I do not comprehend why you are in such a
    temper today. Did Mr. Stalbridge do something to annoy you last night? I heard he left early with Lady
    Ashton’s relative from the country. I forget her name.”

    He ground his teeth. Disaster had struck last night, but he was not about to inform the stupid girl of that
    unpleasant fact. “My reasons for not wanting Stalbridge in this house are none of your concern.”

    “That’s what you tell me every time I ask you what is wrong. You’ve been in an absolutely vile mood
    since our wedding day. It is as if you have turned into a different person. When you asked Grandfather
    for my hand you were all that was charming and polite. Now everything I say or do is wrong in your
    opinion. I vow, I do not know how to please you.”

    “Leave me, Lilly. I have business to attend to.”

    She whirled and rushed to the door, her eagerness to escape plain.

    The feeling was mutual, Elwin thought, watching the door close behind her. She was everything he had
    believed that he wanted in a second wife: young, beautiful, and, most important, an heiress. True, her
    grandfather had made his fortune in trade, but after a couple of generations had passed one could
    overlook that sort of family background as long as there was enough money involved.

    Nevertheless, Lilly’s empty-headed chatter and her obsession with gossip and clothes were driving him
    mad. On top of everything else, she was useless in bed. Unlike Victoria, she had no intuitive
    understanding of his special needs.

    There were certainly times